Dr Idriss Lahai Makes Clarification on The Use of Honorary Degrees
Morlai Ibrahim Kamara Prominent Sierra Leonean whistleblower, Dr Idriss Lahai has made clarifications on the use of Honorary Degrees as personal qualifications. Dr Lahai presented to the public the model of the Zambia qualifications Authority which outlines stipulated procedures on how to use Honorary Degrees.
According to the Zambian guide Dr Lahai presented, the recipient of an honorary qualification may use it on the curriculum Vitae but list it under awards and honours and not under the section for qualification.
The Zambian guide on the use of Honorary Degrees further states that “Whenever the title ‘Dr’ is used in the case of an honorary doctorate, the abbreviation “h.c.”( honours Causa) should be used or the recipient should state “Honorary Degree” in full against his or her name.”
The said guide on the use of Honorary Degrees further advise that recipients of honorary degrees or doctorates as commonly referred, to use “h.c” or “Honorary Degree” to avoid misleading the general public and to preserve the integrity of earned degrees.
The presentation of the guide came as a result of the misuse of honorary degrees as personal academic qualifications in the country.